New to Racing

[bounty-Hntr]

Hi guys,

So, I want to go racing and I was hoping for some input, anything would be great.

Let me give you some background so you know where I'm at and what I'm looking for.

Last year was my first time at track days. Jeff spent a day with me showing me the ropes and getting me started. Since then I've (sorry to say) spent some time at another club's track days practicing what he showed me and listening to new instructors.

The only reason I spent time elsewhere is that the fall-schedule didn't mesh with mine. I'm in the advanced class at their club (and waiting to get back to NYSBC to qualify for the advanced class here as well) and seem to be running some good times at the Thunderbolt course. I don't have a lap timer yet, so I'm not sure of my times.

Besides getting up to speed in a bike, I've spent about 10 years racing cars, mostly dirt cars. Point is, I know the lines, how to pass, track procedures, etc. (Luckily, I quickly figured out there's no rub rails on a bike ) I only needed to learn the differences between a bike and a car and seem to have a good handle on it.

Now, I'm looking at getting to the next level in 2010 and get into some actual races. With the help of one of the other posts, I found the CCS series and I've been digging through the rules and such there to figure out what I have to do. I still have some questions though.

As per CCS, it seems I must attend a qualified driving school. No big deal, but do I really have to do this, or is there another way to qualify for it. I wouldn't imagine the track day school I attended with you guys would suffice, would it?


Other than that, it seems that I'm able to tape off my lights, safety wire a bunch of stuff and get an oil-catch tray for the bottom of the engine and the bike will qualify for the series.

Now, for the questions.....

Am I missing anything?

Does getting the oil-catch tray for the engine involve getting a whole new body, or do they sell a piece which will fit into my stock body? (I can't find anything online, except for the entire body).

Tires, Tires, Tires. I know they're going to be a big part of it. I actually switched from the stock tires to a Pirelli dragon tire (since that was what the tire guy at the track had). One item he said wat that he didn't recommend anything softer than this tire (I'm assuming it's the harder of the racing compounds), that if he was to give me anything softer then my stock suspension would tear it up. Does that sound realistic? I mean, I didn't want the softest junk and just waste my money, so it's a good thing I have a decent tire, but once I start racing, I imagine I'll want to start playing around with different compounds and see what's working and such. Any suggestions, any info?


As for what I have. It's a stock '08 CBR 1000. The only thing which isn't stock is the tires.

As for all of the bolt-ons. I'm not into getting all of the bolt-on junk just to add extra expenses, so no pipes and controllers, etc, unless it's going to prevent something from blowing up, or a safety reason or anything. I still understand that about 99% of the new speed that I can find is going to come from the fleshy lump on top, so until I get more practice I'll stick with what I have and upgrade it later. Luckily, the bike has 2 of the items I really think helps me and that's a slipper clutch and traction control.

Also, classes. What one should I get into? I see there's a ton of them, but some of them get into a lot of upgrades. But, racing in more than 1 class would be advantageous since it would give me 2x the track time.


Anyone know of a good Feb/March school which I can get into? I see there's one in Feb in FL, but it's a lot of trailer time to get there and back.


Any suggestions, items I missed, constructive criticism, your grandmother's chicken recipe (if you think it helps) is much appreciated!

Maybe I'll see some of you at the track!

Bill

[Mark]

Bill,
Give me a call and we can discuss all of your questions.
Mark
NYSBC
973-220-8689

[XFACTOR]

with a 1000cc bike your limited to 4 catagories
1. Unlimited Superstock (least amt. of add-ons; must use D.O.T. race tire)
2. Unlimited Superbike (a whole lot of add ons, can use slicks)
3. Unlimited GP used to have a pay out, but they axed it for the 2010 year
( A WHOLE LOT OF ADD-ONS, can use slicks)
4. GTO , this is a longer race usually double the others. Sprints are 8 laps,
this is usually 16 laps depending on which track.
(a whole lot of add-ons, can use slicks)

I would get race bodywork, much cheaper and easier to fix than stock stuff, plus, it lightens the bike and is easily removable for in the pits work.

The license thing I'm guessing Mark will fill you in on

[yzfrjim]

well said..mickey d..

[bounty-Hntr]

Awesome guys, Thanks a lot.

XFactor: Do you have any idea the numbers of riders in the classes? I know it probably varies, but knowing something like X is the max number of riders, but generally there's like ???.

Also, which of the classes are usually full-up, or which ones generally don't have a lot of guys? I'm thinking about being in the Superstock/Superbike classes I don't have the add-ons which the Superbike allows, but since it's only 1 level up, I should be able to mix it up with everyone without getting in the way.


I called Mark also. I figured I'd post his comments so anyone else looking at this will know the answers as well.

He agrees with XFactor, get an aftermarket body. Less expensive to fix.

As for the tires, a medium compound tire is generally real good without being too expensive by having to change them all the time. Cold weather, maybe the softer tires, but running them in the hot weather is pretty wasteful since they wear out fast.

Get some tire warmers (which I was planning on doing), but it's good to know I'm on the right track.

Great news is, NYSBC is going to be partnering with another school to provide CCS certified training. We need to have the training for the CCS series, there's no getting out of it. Details to follow shortly as soon as they get the everythign figured out.


Now I need to get the bike into my basement (since the garage isn't heated) and rip off some bodywork, break off a handfull of the dirty little drill bits which bust while trying to drill the safety wire holes and get ready for the new year.

[XFACTOR]

you can run all the classes I previously listed. You don't have to have add-ons to compete in the Superbike, GTO, and GP. Believe me, just cause they have add-ons don't think they're fast. And you can run DOT's in all the classes also, I was just informing you which ones allow slicks.

My first year of racing the grids were full, like 35 guys. This past year the grids were definitely smaller, It seemed like only the truly dedicated guys showed up every weekend. The Unlimited grids definitely rarely made it passed 20 guys. The middleweights (600cc) tend to fill up a little more, 25 to 30 probably

[XFACTOR]

come to the bike show and visit the booth, we can have a "race talk" session LOL

[XFACTOR]

Originally Posted by yzfrjim

well said..mickey d..

why thank you sir